Multiple felony charges after joint investigation
Michael T. Baldwin Reports
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Allegany County District Attorney Keith Slep and the New York State Police have announced the arrests of Ronda (Brundage) Kish and Marion Brundage for allegedly stealing $11,276 from the Oramel Fire Department.
Ronda Kish was charged with Grand Larceny in the 3rd Degree, Corrupting the Government in the 3rd Degree and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the 1st Degree. Marion Brundage was charged with Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree and Corrupting the Government in the 3rd Degree. Kish, 54, served as the department’s Treasurer and her former sister-in-law, Brundage, 52, was its Secretary and First Assistant Chief. The arrests were the result of a joint investigation between Comptroller DiNapoli’s Office, the Allegany County District Attorney’s Office and the New York State Police.
“These two officials allegedly used money meant for the protection of their community as their own personal bank account,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to Allegany County District Attorney Slep and the State Police for partnering with my office to make sure that those who engage in public corruption are found out and brought to justice.”
From 2016 to 2020, Ronda Kish allegedly stole $8,675 from the Oramel Fire Department by making unauthorized cash withdrawals and writing checks to herself for supposed reimbursements that had no receipts or approval from the department’s board. Kish used the money to pay personal expenses, including numerous credit card bills.
Kish abruptly quit as Treasurer after the department’s board began to ask questions about the money. The Oramel Fire Department bank account was empty when she quit. Local officials brought their concerns to Comptroller DiNapoli’s office and the Allegany County DA.
During the same time period, Marion Brundage allegedly stole $2,601 by writing checks to herself for supposed reimbursements.
Kish and Brundage were arraigned before Judge David Szucs in the Town of Caneadea Court and are scheduled to appear again in court on November 9.
